MPH in Environmental Health

Students interested in studying the complex relationships betweenenvironmental factors and human health will find a fit in the Environmental Health (EH) master of public health (MPH) program. This program provides a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to examining the chemical, physical and microbial hazards that occur in the home, workplace and general environment. Between engaging elective courses in air pollution, climate change, epidemiology, toxicology and more and required real-world experience, this program will equip you with the skillset to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges of the future. Many students also choose to complete a certificate program along with their MPH.

Critical Skills Gained

Exposure Science

Mechanisms of Toxicity

Epidemiology

Biostatistics

Disease Ecology

Global Climate Change

Environmental Health Policy

Job Opportunities

Federal Environmental Health Agencies

State Health Departments

Industry

Consulting Firms

Non-Profits

Universities

Core Competencies

Upon completion of the MPH degree in environmental health, the graduate will be able to:

Explain major environmental risks to human health ranging from the local to global scale.

Apply the principles of exposure science to characterize environmental exposures.

Describe how the principles of toxicology can be used to assess health effects of environmental exposure.

Apply the principles of epidemiology to assess health effects of environmental exposures.

Admissions

The full-time program is designed to take two years to complete; part-time can take up to five years, depending on the number of credits taken each semester. The Department of Environmental Health also requires that all students complete both a college-level biology and chemistry course prior to matriculation. For more information on these course requirements, GRE requirements or financial assistance, please visit our FAQ page.

Admission Requirements

Helpful Links

Department Requirements

At least one semester of college-level biology and chemistry required. See FAQs for details about these requirements.Statistics, calculus, and organic chemistry also preferred

Your GRE scores are waived if you have a PhD from a U.S. institution

MPH Degree Requirements

42 Credit Hours, which includes -

4 Credits of Thesis or Capstone

14 Credits of Core Coursework

18-20 Required Program Credits

10 Credits or more of Electives

200-400 hour Applied Practice Experience

Applied Practice Experience

All Rollins MPH and MSPH students are required to complete a 200-400 hour applied practice expereince (APE). The APE is a unique opportunity for graduate students to integrate and apply practical skills and training learned through coursework in a professional public health work environment. In most cases, students can use a part-time work position, graduate assistantship, or internship to meet the APE requirement. The APE is a significant educational experience that requires a minimum of 200 clock hours in a public health agency, institution, or community under the supervision of a field supervisor and the guidance of the student's department and/or the Office of Career Development.

Culminating Experience –Capstone or Thesis

In addition to the Applied Practice Experience, students are required to complete a culminating experience project that demonstrates knowledge and skills gained in the MPH program. A culminating experience calls for students to integrate and apply the competencies they developed during the course of their study, practicum, and/or related field experiences. Environmental Health and Global Environmental Health MPH students can choose between a capstone OR thesis project. Students interested in conducting original research, analyzing data, interpreting study results and who are drawn to research-based careers often choose to complete a thesis. Students seeking more hands-on, practical environmental health skills, such as program evaluation, needs assessment, proposal writing or outreach work with community partners should consider a capstone.

Based on the type of culminating experience chosen, students enroll in either EH 594, Capstone Seminar: Skills for Environmental Health Professionals or EH 599R Thesis. All students are required to formally present their projects prior to graduation. For examples of past theses and capstone organized by general topic, please visit our Interest Area pages.